4.4 Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation and Reduction

• When a metal undergoes corrosion it loses electrons to form cations:

Ca(s) +2H+(aq) ? Ca2+(aq) + H2(g)

• Oxidized: atom, molecule, or ion becomes more positively charged.

  • Oxidation is the loss of electrons.

• Reduced: atom, molecule, or ion becomes less positively charged.

  • Reduction is the gain of electrons.

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